August 30, 2010.
Outside my window...hot, hazy and humid all week.
I am thinking...my daughter's goldfish, Oleksandr died this week. We've had him 2-1/2 years. She had to bring him up to work with her while we were on vacation. I think he met with foul play from one of the campers, but we can't be sure. Poor Oleks. He loved me best; I could see it in his eyes.
I am thankful for...the past week at the Carey Conference. Such good preaching.
From the kitchen...meatballs, and yep, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...beige long shorts, and a cream and taupe top.
I am reading...A Quarter for a Kiss by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...to get some answers to my health concerns, this month. I have a brain MRI on Sept. 18th and an audiology appointment on Sept. 10th Within the last month or so, I've noticed a big change in my hearing. It seems everyone is speaking so quietly. I mis-hear what people say or don't hear them at all. It's noticeable to my family. It concerns me because it seems so sudden. I haven't had any exposure to loud noises. My grandmother was very hard of hearing. I feel I'm too young to be losing my hearing already. I also can't read lips, so I'd be lost. Of course, working where I do, I've already imagined the worst case scenario, which would be some kind of tumour. I guess the MRI would show that. My husband says to hold off burying myself until I know for sure. He's a patient man, isn't he?
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...my mom's still in Finland for two weeks. Our girls are finished work and are home until school starts. We returned from vacation to a freshly painted basement. The main room is too yellow, so we'll have to have that re-painted. We were without our t.v. for two weeks, because the bulb blew. It's a rear-projection big screen. We had anticipated it, and ordered a spare bulb before World Cup, in case it happened then. It turned out to be a dud. We got the replacement bulb today.
One of my favourite things...having the speaker over for a meal at the Carey. It's nice to get to know them better.
Some plans for the week...my eleven days off are over. Working four nights. The girls are having friends over this week, even though dry-wall dust coats everything. My youngest is at the EX today. My husband and I were at a soccer game on Saturday, next to the CNE. The last time we were at the EX was on our first date 26 years ago. When our kids were little, we couldn't afford to go, and when they were older, they went with friends. I'm planning a facebook page for our church as a supplement to the web page. It's more accessible to the members.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
No More Children in the House
August 23, 2010.
Outside my window...rain for the third day in a row. So far this is turning into a rainy Carey Conference. At least we got wifi hooked up today and have been having friends in. The preaching and singing are great, as usual.
I am thinking...we just paid tuition for both girls in full. It was hard to do, but I'm so thankful if they could get through school without any loans to pay at the end of it.
I am thankful for...the Carey Conference. It's our 18th year. The main speaker is Bill James from England. He's very good. You can hear the sermons on-line at careyconference.net The singing is phenomenal. Coming from a small church where we only have a musician a few times a month, to hearing hundreds of people who really know how to sing is a little foretaste of heaven. It gives me goosebumps. I close my eyes and just drink it in. The theme song for the Carey is O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing with a tune where men and women sing different parts. It was taught to everyone years ago by the late Pastor Bill Payne. We also sang And Can it Be? which is my favourite hymn. Lovely.
From the kitchen...soup, BLT's, greek pasta salad, blueberry pie with ice cream.
I am wearing..jeans, a long sleeved purple top, and a black jacket. It's cold out.
I am reading...The Good News About Injustice by Gary Haugen, founder of the International Justice Mission. My youngest wants to work with them, one day.
I am hoping...this will be a restful, spiritual week.
I am hearing...people passing by outside the cabin.
Around the house...my eldest just texted that Oleksandr, the Ukrainian goldfish, has died. She's had him for two years. He was currently with her up at camp, since we're away from home. She didn't seem too distraught. I think I loved him best, since I overfed him all the time. My youngest will be 18 on Thursday. She wanted to buy a blender to make her own lattes. I can't believe my babies have grown up. The painters arrived the day we left for Carey. They'll have to do it without my micro-managing. It'll be like being on a design show, coming back home to see the transformation. My mom left for Finland. This is our last full week of vacation for the year, except for Christmas, I guess.
One of my favourite things...campfires. The smell of the smoke, the taste of hot dogs, the stories, and the familiar bad jokes.
Some plans for the week...listen to twelve sermons this week, read, catch up with friends, have the speaker over on Wednesday, go home Friday, unpack, go to a soccer game on Saturday. I heard my favourite band, Casting Crowns, is in Toronto on Saturday, but we already had tickets to this game, and it's in the evening, which is a surprise. I guess I have to wait till the next time.
Outside my window...rain for the third day in a row. So far this is turning into a rainy Carey Conference. At least we got wifi hooked up today and have been having friends in. The preaching and singing are great, as usual.
I am thinking...we just paid tuition for both girls in full. It was hard to do, but I'm so thankful if they could get through school without any loans to pay at the end of it.
I am thankful for...the Carey Conference. It's our 18th year. The main speaker is Bill James from England. He's very good. You can hear the sermons on-line at careyconference.net The singing is phenomenal. Coming from a small church where we only have a musician a few times a month, to hearing hundreds of people who really know how to sing is a little foretaste of heaven. It gives me goosebumps. I close my eyes and just drink it in. The theme song for the Carey is O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing with a tune where men and women sing different parts. It was taught to everyone years ago by the late Pastor Bill Payne. We also sang And Can it Be? which is my favourite hymn. Lovely.
From the kitchen...soup, BLT's, greek pasta salad, blueberry pie with ice cream.
I am wearing..jeans, a long sleeved purple top, and a black jacket. It's cold out.
I am reading...The Good News About Injustice by Gary Haugen, founder of the International Justice Mission. My youngest wants to work with them, one day.
I am hoping...this will be a restful, spiritual week.
I am hearing...people passing by outside the cabin.
Around the house...my eldest just texted that Oleksandr, the Ukrainian goldfish, has died. She's had him for two years. He was currently with her up at camp, since we're away from home. She didn't seem too distraught. I think I loved him best, since I overfed him all the time. My youngest will be 18 on Thursday. She wanted to buy a blender to make her own lattes. I can't believe my babies have grown up. The painters arrived the day we left for Carey. They'll have to do it without my micro-managing. It'll be like being on a design show, coming back home to see the transformation. My mom left for Finland. This is our last full week of vacation for the year, except for Christmas, I guess.
One of my favourite things...campfires. The smell of the smoke, the taste of hot dogs, the stories, and the familiar bad jokes.
Some plans for the week...listen to twelve sermons this week, read, catch up with friends, have the speaker over on Wednesday, go home Friday, unpack, go to a soccer game on Saturday. I heard my favourite band, Casting Crowns, is in Toronto on Saturday, but we already had tickets to this game, and it's in the evening, which is a surprise. I guess I have to wait till the next time.
Havah, the Story of Eve by Tosca Lee
"This was a fictionalized story of the Biblical character, Eve. In favour of the book, I found it gave you a good idea of what life could have been like for Adam and Eve, both before and after the fall, in particular with the effects of sin and the drastic change in their relationship with God and with each other. It also showed the gradual introduction of idolatry with the descendants of Cain. It was told beautifully, from the first person point of view of Eve, with colourful writing imagery. I also liked that she didn’t present the fruit as an apple, which is incorrect. Sunday School 101, it was a tree unlike any other tree in the garden and it is not accessible to us now, nor is the tree of life. Artist’s rendering of a red fruit are not in line with the basic description of the fruit, which only says it was “good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom.” Gen. 3:6
I did find several things I took issue with. Writing historical fiction is challenging in itself, if you want to stay true to history for the most part. The standard for writing Biblical historical fiction, I think, is higher. While there’s enough to speculate about with the things that aren’t told to us, I don’t think it’s wise or safe to stray on things that are told to us, like the creation account, or the content of actual conversations. When the Bible says that in the pre-flood world it didn’t rain, or they didn’t eat meat, it can be believed. If God told Adam and Eve about creation, it’s not necessary for Eve to have dreams about what it was like, especially if it differs from the Biblical record. I feel the author catered to theistic evolutionists by including the idea of creation exploding into existence, instead of being spoken into being, in an orderly manner, as God said, and she even included a dream of a primordial mud pit with a creature arising out of it and taking form. Very disappointing. Also, the ‘no rain before the flood ‘was important because the “waters above the earth” formed a canopy that kept the whole world tropical, and the dew watered the earth. It was also one of the sources of the water for the Deluge and one of the reasons people lived longer.
Another disagreement I have with it relates to the punishment for the woman. When she is cursed, God increases her pain in childbearing, and then He says, “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Gen 3:16 I think when English speakers hear the word, ‘desire’ they automatically think ‘sexual desire’. But that isn’t a curse. It also doesn’t make any sense with the rest of the sentence. However, the word translated, ‘desire’ is the same one used by God in Gen. 4:7 when God addresses Cain. He says, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The desire is for control. Since Eve made the decision to eat the forbidden fruit, she would lose the harmony they once had in their marriage, and her desire to control would be fought against by her husband who would rule over her. The battle of the sexes is the curse and it began in the garden. The author did a good job of showing that throughout the book, but missed the cause of it at the beginning.
I think she was too sympathetic with Cain. Although I’m sure that Eve’s heart would ache for him as any mother would, the author made it seem like Cain didn’t mean to kill Abel. In Scripture, it shows that he lured him to the field to kill him. Gen. 4:8 Then she has Cain apologizing for the murder, while Scripture shows him only being upset about his punishment. And later on, they have a reunion, while Scripture doesn’t record that. She also seems to think that Cain would be in heaven, along with all her children, even though many worshipped false gods.
There were many other things that made me scratch my head, or shake it. I guess this book made me realize that I know what I believe. It does matter whether it was a real garden, with a real couple named Adam and Eve, who lived in a real Paradise, until they disobeyed. If there was no real sin, we have no need of a real Saviour. But it was real, and we do need a Saviour. The effects of the fall are in evidence all around us."
I did find several things I took issue with. Writing historical fiction is challenging in itself, if you want to stay true to history for the most part. The standard for writing Biblical historical fiction, I think, is higher. While there’s enough to speculate about with the things that aren’t told to us, I don’t think it’s wise or safe to stray on things that are told to us, like the creation account, or the content of actual conversations. When the Bible says that in the pre-flood world it didn’t rain, or they didn’t eat meat, it can be believed. If God told Adam and Eve about creation, it’s not necessary for Eve to have dreams about what it was like, especially if it differs from the Biblical record. I feel the author catered to theistic evolutionists by including the idea of creation exploding into existence, instead of being spoken into being, in an orderly manner, as God said, and she even included a dream of a primordial mud pit with a creature arising out of it and taking form. Very disappointing. Also, the ‘no rain before the flood ‘was important because the “waters above the earth” formed a canopy that kept the whole world tropical, and the dew watered the earth. It was also one of the sources of the water for the Deluge and one of the reasons people lived longer.
Another disagreement I have with it relates to the punishment for the woman. When she is cursed, God increases her pain in childbearing, and then He says, “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Gen 3:16 I think when English speakers hear the word, ‘desire’ they automatically think ‘sexual desire’. But that isn’t a curse. It also doesn’t make any sense with the rest of the sentence. However, the word translated, ‘desire’ is the same one used by God in Gen. 4:7 when God addresses Cain. He says, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The desire is for control. Since Eve made the decision to eat the forbidden fruit, she would lose the harmony they once had in their marriage, and her desire to control would be fought against by her husband who would rule over her. The battle of the sexes is the curse and it began in the garden. The author did a good job of showing that throughout the book, but missed the cause of it at the beginning.
I think she was too sympathetic with Cain. Although I’m sure that Eve’s heart would ache for him as any mother would, the author made it seem like Cain didn’t mean to kill Abel. In Scripture, it shows that he lured him to the field to kill him. Gen. 4:8 Then she has Cain apologizing for the murder, while Scripture shows him only being upset about his punishment. And later on, they have a reunion, while Scripture doesn’t record that. She also seems to think that Cain would be in heaven, along with all her children, even though many worshipped false gods.
There were many other things that made me scratch my head, or shake it. I guess this book made me realize that I know what I believe. It does matter whether it was a real garden, with a real couple named Adam and Eve, who lived in a real Paradise, until they disobeyed. If there was no real sin, we have no need of a real Saviour. But it was real, and we do need a Saviour. The effects of the fall are in evidence all around us."
Monday, August 16, 2010
Almost Vacation, Again
Date: August 16, 2010.
Outside my window...a beautiful summer day, with a slight breeze and no humidity.
I am thinking...I don't know who decides these things, but I think it's stupid to just welcome 500 Tamils into Canada just because they got on a boat and headed here. The message we're sending is clear: no questions asked. Meanwhile, the legal immigrants who have been trying to bring their family members here, are still waiting. I have nothing against immigrants; I'm one myself. Most of our country is made up of immigrants. But I don't like illegal immigrants, especially ones that may be terrorists (Tamil Tigers) or human traffickers. By the time they investigate, they'll be absorbed into the system and living in Scarborough.
I am thankful for...my job. I like it when I'm there, but I also like that I get about eight weeks off per year.
From the kitchen...burgers,fries, and yep, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants, a light blue eyelet top.
I am reading...Havah, the story of Eve, by Tosca Lee. It gives you a real sense of what life was like for them before and after the fall, but I feel the author is catering to the theistic evolutionists with some of her descriptions.
I am hoping...our Pastor's wife will get better. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. She'll have surgery next month. She's still in shock, as are we all.
I am hearing...the GO train and traffic.
Around the house...my husband and youngest daughter have two weeks off. My mom leaves for Finland on Thursday for three weeks. My eldest is at camp and had to be quarantined due to illness for a day and a half. There's also a lice problem there. Ewwww. My kids have managed to avoid it until now. I told her not to bring her 'little friends' home with her. The contractor was installing the cedar planks on the walls of the sauna today. It smells wonderful.
One of my favourite things...the Canadian Carey Family Conference. This is our 18th year. Such good preaching and fellowship. It will be more relaxing this year. We've done the admin. and finances for five years now, so we've passed the torch. If you need to find me, I'll be reading by the pool.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, pack for the Carey conference, bake blueberry pies to take with us. We'll be gone six nights. The work will continue in our absence. The contractor can be trusted with a key.
Outside my window...a beautiful summer day, with a slight breeze and no humidity.
I am thinking...I don't know who decides these things, but I think it's stupid to just welcome 500 Tamils into Canada just because they got on a boat and headed here. The message we're sending is clear: no questions asked. Meanwhile, the legal immigrants who have been trying to bring their family members here, are still waiting. I have nothing against immigrants; I'm one myself. Most of our country is made up of immigrants. But I don't like illegal immigrants, especially ones that may be terrorists (Tamil Tigers) or human traffickers. By the time they investigate, they'll be absorbed into the system and living in Scarborough.
I am thankful for...my job. I like it when I'm there, but I also like that I get about eight weeks off per year.
From the kitchen...burgers,fries, and yep, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants, a light blue eyelet top.
I am reading...Havah, the story of Eve, by Tosca Lee. It gives you a real sense of what life was like for them before and after the fall, but I feel the author is catering to the theistic evolutionists with some of her descriptions.
I am hoping...our Pastor's wife will get better. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. She'll have surgery next month. She's still in shock, as are we all.
I am hearing...the GO train and traffic.
Around the house...my husband and youngest daughter have two weeks off. My mom leaves for Finland on Thursday for three weeks. My eldest is at camp and had to be quarantined due to illness for a day and a half. There's also a lice problem there. Ewwww. My kids have managed to avoid it until now. I told her not to bring her 'little friends' home with her. The contractor was installing the cedar planks on the walls of the sauna today. It smells wonderful.
One of my favourite things...the Canadian Carey Family Conference. This is our 18th year. Such good preaching and fellowship. It will be more relaxing this year. We've done the admin. and finances for five years now, so we've passed the torch. If you need to find me, I'll be reading by the pool.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, pack for the Carey conference, bake blueberry pies to take with us. We'll be gone six nights. The work will continue in our absence. The contractor can be trusted with a key.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Summertime Living
August 9, 2010.
Outside my window...a rainy day, but we needed it.
I am thinking...we had a nice weekend. We went to a cottage in Huntsville. It belongs to the parents of my daughter's roommate. They live in Bermuda and spend summers in Canada. We only recently met them, so it was nice to get to know them better. He's a pediatrician and she's a writer. It was nice to talk shop with someone who is farther along in the journey than I am. She has an agent, and a completed manuscript with several publishers. I am still working on seven unfinished first drafts. Anyway, the kids went boating and swimming. We ate well and had a campfire. The trip home, which should have taken four hours, took seven, because of traffic, rain, and a detour to drop off our daughter at camp.
I am thankful for...making new friends.
From the kitchen...lemon and herb haddock, rice and corn on the cob. Yes, we've been eating a lot of corn, but then, it's summer. We picked some up from a roadside farmer's market, along with some northern blueberries to get us through winter.
I am wearing...jeans and a beige and brown top.
I am reading...Under the Northern Lights and Whispers of Winter by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...the strike by the GO train maintenance workers at Union Station will be averted, so the GO won't STOP.
I am hearing...conversations on the train.
Around the house...steady progress on the renovations. Electrical is done, base boards and crown moulding, flooring, and the paint colours have been chosen. The girls are working hard. My youngest has one week left, as does my husband, I have two weeks, my eldest has three. Then we're going to the Carey Conference. My eldest can't make it this year.
One of my favourite things...signs in rural Ontario. Hillbilly Camp, Varmint Control, and Do-it-yourself pig roasts.
Some plans for the week...I didn't have a very productive day. I slept in, didn't work out, took a nap, and made dinner. I'm working four nights this week. We plan to do some cleaning and organizing on Saturday, haul stuff to the dump and start packing for the Carey. I need to plan my menu for that week, but I've already made my packing list. This is our 18th year so I know what to take. I'm so looking forward to not having any responsibilities this year. If people need me, they'll find me reading by the pool. Sunday we'll be back at our church after three weekends away in a row. It feels like we've been away forever.
Outside my window...a rainy day, but we needed it.
I am thinking...we had a nice weekend. We went to a cottage in Huntsville. It belongs to the parents of my daughter's roommate. They live in Bermuda and spend summers in Canada. We only recently met them, so it was nice to get to know them better. He's a pediatrician and she's a writer. It was nice to talk shop with someone who is farther along in the journey than I am. She has an agent, and a completed manuscript with several publishers. I am still working on seven unfinished first drafts. Anyway, the kids went boating and swimming. We ate well and had a campfire. The trip home, which should have taken four hours, took seven, because of traffic, rain, and a detour to drop off our daughter at camp.
I am thankful for...making new friends.
From the kitchen...lemon and herb haddock, rice and corn on the cob. Yes, we've been eating a lot of corn, but then, it's summer. We picked some up from a roadside farmer's market, along with some northern blueberries to get us through winter.
I am wearing...jeans and a beige and brown top.
I am reading...Under the Northern Lights and Whispers of Winter by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...the strike by the GO train maintenance workers at Union Station will be averted, so the GO won't STOP.
I am hearing...conversations on the train.
Around the house...steady progress on the renovations. Electrical is done, base boards and crown moulding, flooring, and the paint colours have been chosen. The girls are working hard. My youngest has one week left, as does my husband, I have two weeks, my eldest has three. Then we're going to the Carey Conference. My eldest can't make it this year.
One of my favourite things...signs in rural Ontario. Hillbilly Camp, Varmint Control, and Do-it-yourself pig roasts.
Some plans for the week...I didn't have a very productive day. I slept in, didn't work out, took a nap, and made dinner. I'm working four nights this week. We plan to do some cleaning and organizing on Saturday, haul stuff to the dump and start packing for the Carey. I need to plan my menu for that week, but I've already made my packing list. This is our 18th year so I know what to take. I'm so looking forward to not having any responsibilities this year. If people need me, they'll find me reading by the pool. Sunday we'll be back at our church after three weekends away in a row. It feels like we've been away forever.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Stay-cation is Over
August 3, 2010.
Outside my window...hot, hazy and humid. Feels like 40C. The a.c. has been running all day at home.
I am thinking...it should be quiet at work this week since the O.R. is closed. A nice week to ease back into work. It's amazing, but I think we spent more on our stay-cation than we would have spent on a little excursion out of the country.
I am thankful for...the three weeks' vacation I just finished. So relaxing. Back to work tonight. When I was at CURVES, most of the women were talking about their ideal vacation not including their husbands. Am I the only one who enjoys her husband's company?
From the kitchen...spaghetti and meatballs, veggies and dip, raspberry pie.
I am wearing...black capri pants, a red tank top and a black and white printed top.
I am reading...Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...that the painting done by my friend, Anneli arrives safely from Alberta this week.
I am hearing...the train. Back to the real world, although I would happily give up work if we could afford it, much as I love my job.
Around the house...they were laying the flooring in the basement today. It's beautiful. This past weekend we went to visit the churches our daughters are attending. I'm so thankful for the work of grace in their lives, that saved them, and keeps them. I'm glad they want to go to church and that they've chosen well. My mom is going to Finland in a few weeks. She couldn't locate her passport since the move and renovation, so today she had to re-apply. It's a good thing she didn't discover the problem the night before here trip.
One of my favourite things...grilled bananas with brown sugar.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, go to a friend's cottage on Saturday and to church with them on Sunday, up in cottage country.
Outside my window...hot, hazy and humid. Feels like 40C. The a.c. has been running all day at home.
I am thinking...it should be quiet at work this week since the O.R. is closed. A nice week to ease back into work. It's amazing, but I think we spent more on our stay-cation than we would have spent on a little excursion out of the country.
I am thankful for...the three weeks' vacation I just finished. So relaxing. Back to work tonight. When I was at CURVES, most of the women were talking about their ideal vacation not including their husbands. Am I the only one who enjoys her husband's company?
From the kitchen...spaghetti and meatballs, veggies and dip, raspberry pie.
I am wearing...black capri pants, a red tank top and a black and white printed top.
I am reading...Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...that the painting done by my friend, Anneli arrives safely from Alberta this week.
I am hearing...the train. Back to the real world, although I would happily give up work if we could afford it, much as I love my job.
Around the house...they were laying the flooring in the basement today. It's beautiful. This past weekend we went to visit the churches our daughters are attending. I'm so thankful for the work of grace in their lives, that saved them, and keeps them. I'm glad they want to go to church and that they've chosen well. My mom is going to Finland in a few weeks. She couldn't locate her passport since the move and renovation, so today she had to re-apply. It's a good thing she didn't discover the problem the night before here trip.
One of my favourite things...grilled bananas with brown sugar.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, go to a friend's cottage on Saturday and to church with them on Sunday, up in cottage country.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
There are Tattoos and then there are Tattoos
July 28, 2010.
Outside my window...a humid summer day. Supposed to reach 40C with humidity. Possible thunderstorm. Yesterday was a beach day. So relaxing.
I am thinking...I just found out my niece got a tattoo. She's 18. So disappointing, since she is a Christian. What is the attraction of tattoos? I just don't get it. It's permanent. The whole thing is so short-sighted and she will soon regret getting it, as most people do. Here is an example of one of her first independent decisions. See my blog on tattoos under the heading, Much Ado About Nothing. "You are not your own. You are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your bodies."
I am thankful for...24 years of marriage. Significant in itself these days, but more so because we're actually happily married, not just co-existing. I have a husband who loves me sacrificially, and shows his love to me every day, not just on anniversaries and on Valentine's Day. I'm so thankful to God for him.
From the kitchen...grilled steak, Greek salad, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants and my TFC team shirt.
I am reading...Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...for at least one more beach day this week.
I am hearing...the sounds of the renovation in the basement.
Around the house...drywall dust everywhere. We really should have the a.c. on because of the humidity, but we need to air the house out. It's hard to breathe with the dust. Generally, life is good, and at least we're not at work. Still one week left of our stay-cation.
One of my favourite things...beach days.
Some plans for the week...don't know. We're making it up as we go along. Today we're doing stuff around the house, but we may go to the beach tomorrow or Friday, then we're going to check out the churches our children attend, this weekend, and then friends will come over on the civic holiday, Monday. We just had a romantic weekend in Kingston, Ontario. We went on a dinner cruise and saw a Military Tattoo (show) celebrating 100 years of the Canadian Navy (go NAVY!) We also saw the burial site of Sir John A. MacDonald (Canada's first Prime Minister), and we ate out a lot. I'd like to get some writing done this week, and some cleaning and organizing.
Outside my window...a humid summer day. Supposed to reach 40C with humidity. Possible thunderstorm. Yesterday was a beach day. So relaxing.
I am thinking...I just found out my niece got a tattoo. She's 18. So disappointing, since she is a Christian. What is the attraction of tattoos? I just don't get it. It's permanent. The whole thing is so short-sighted and she will soon regret getting it, as most people do. Here is an example of one of her first independent decisions. See my blog on tattoos under the heading, Much Ado About Nothing. "You are not your own. You are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your bodies."
I am thankful for...24 years of marriage. Significant in itself these days, but more so because we're actually happily married, not just co-existing. I have a husband who loves me sacrificially, and shows his love to me every day, not just on anniversaries and on Valentine's Day. I'm so thankful to God for him.
From the kitchen...grilled steak, Greek salad, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants and my TFC team shirt.
I am reading...Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...for at least one more beach day this week.
I am hearing...the sounds of the renovation in the basement.
Around the house...drywall dust everywhere. We really should have the a.c. on because of the humidity, but we need to air the house out. It's hard to breathe with the dust. Generally, life is good, and at least we're not at work. Still one week left of our stay-cation.
One of my favourite things...beach days.
Some plans for the week...don't know. We're making it up as we go along. Today we're doing stuff around the house, but we may go to the beach tomorrow or Friday, then we're going to check out the churches our children attend, this weekend, and then friends will come over on the civic holiday, Monday. We just had a romantic weekend in Kingston, Ontario. We went on a dinner cruise and saw a Military Tattoo (show) celebrating 100 years of the Canadian Navy (go NAVY!) We also saw the burial site of Sir John A. MacDonald (Canada's first Prime Minister), and we ate out a lot. I'd like to get some writing done this week, and some cleaning and organizing.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Stay-Cation
July 21, 2010.
Outside my window...a beautiful summer day, after a thunderstorm this morning.
I am thinking...our stay-cation is going well. Yesterday we went to the ROM to see the Chinese Terracotta Warriors exhibit. Then we ate at Big Daddy's crab shack for an amazing seafood dinner. Then we went for a walk along the Toronto boardwalk.
I am thankful for...the fact that we can actually, seriously consider planning a European vacation for our 25th anniversary next year. To think that we can afford it, first of all, and that we can see places we've only heard about, like London, Paris, Rome, Nice, Pisa, and Amsterdam, among others, is amazing. I feel so blessed.
From the kitchen...honey garlic chicken breasts, grilled veggies, scalloped white and sweet potatoes, wild blueberry pie and ice cream.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a navy floral tank top. I bought some new summer clothes and shoes this week.
I am reading...Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels, by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...we can accomplish all that we planned in these few weeks.
I am hearing...a dumb movie. Our friends had to cancel their dinner plans.
Around the house...the renovations are coming along. We ordered a sauna heater this week. Our girls are busy working and choosing their courses for university. My husband and I are enjoying our stay-cation. Last Saturday we had a beach day with my husband's side of the family.
One of my favourite things...spending time with my husband. We've had breakfast dates, dinners out and movie nights.
Some plans for the week...clean out junk, clean the house, go to Kingston for the weekend. We have tickets to a Military Tattoo. Then, on Sunday, we'll visit our sister church in Belleville and then take their Pastor and his wife out for dinner
Outside my window...a beautiful summer day, after a thunderstorm this morning.
I am thinking...our stay-cation is going well. Yesterday we went to the ROM to see the Chinese Terracotta Warriors exhibit. Then we ate at Big Daddy's crab shack for an amazing seafood dinner. Then we went for a walk along the Toronto boardwalk.
I am thankful for...the fact that we can actually, seriously consider planning a European vacation for our 25th anniversary next year. To think that we can afford it, first of all, and that we can see places we've only heard about, like London, Paris, Rome, Nice, Pisa, and Amsterdam, among others, is amazing. I feel so blessed.
From the kitchen...honey garlic chicken breasts, grilled veggies, scalloped white and sweet potatoes, wild blueberry pie and ice cream.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a navy floral tank top. I bought some new summer clothes and shoes this week.
I am reading...Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels, by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...we can accomplish all that we planned in these few weeks.
I am hearing...a dumb movie. Our friends had to cancel their dinner plans.
Around the house...the renovations are coming along. We ordered a sauna heater this week. Our girls are busy working and choosing their courses for university. My husband and I are enjoying our stay-cation. Last Saturday we had a beach day with my husband's side of the family.
One of my favourite things...spending time with my husband. We've had breakfast dates, dinners out and movie nights.
Some plans for the week...clean out junk, clean the house, go to Kingston for the weekend. We have tickets to a Military Tattoo. Then, on Sunday, we'll visit our sister church in Belleville and then take their Pastor and his wife out for dinner
Monday, July 12, 2010
Campout
July 12, 2010.
Outside my window...overcast, humid day with showers off and on.
I am thinking...my youngest daughter was upset because the father of one of her school friends was murdered this week at a car wash, shot over nothing, and now her friend is fatherless. So sad.
I am thankful for...the great weekend we just had at the camp out with the youth group from Trinity Baptist Church. The weather was perfect; the food and fellowship were good, the teens were a good bunch, and my husband's messages were well received. He spoke about not being conformed to this world, using the example of Daniel in Babylon, in a culture whose sole purpose was to assimilate the conquered people.
From the kitchen...black pepper chicken and corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants and a navy blue tank top.
I am reading...A Penny for Your Thoughts by Mindy Starns Clark. It's a Christian mystery.
I am hoping...the messages my husband preached stay with the teens.
I am hearing...the train, currently stopped.
Around the house...the first week of basement renovations are done. They've framed the rooms, insulated, and done the electrical. Our contractor is good and has a lot of creative ideas. He took the french doors we gave him as the entrance to my mom's apartment, and recessed them into walls, so they slide in and out, instead of opening up into the room and taking up space. There is also a storage area, workshop and a huge family/games room. He also made her apartment quite large, closed off the furnace area, and is breaking through the concrete to make the drain for the washroom and sauna. I'm so excited about the sauna. This week we'll be buying the sauna heater. We'll probably get a wall-mounted one. My youngest has been driving a lot and is gaining confidence. She said, "You were right, I needed to get my license." Words parents love to hear. I went to the dollar store before my dentist appointment today. I admit, I have poor impulse control there, but you should see the loot I got!
One of my favourite things...the taste of hot dogs and smores over a campfire.
Some plans for the week...work two nights, then I'm off for 20 days! Stay-cation only, since we bought the house this year, plus we have the reno, but it should be fun. We've planned some smaller trips to the beach, Kingston, maybe Stratford, downtown Toronto, and time with family and friends. We're hoping to go to the beach at a nearby Provincial Park with family on Saturday.
Outside my window...overcast, humid day with showers off and on.
I am thinking...my youngest daughter was upset because the father of one of her school friends was murdered this week at a car wash, shot over nothing, and now her friend is fatherless. So sad.
I am thankful for...the great weekend we just had at the camp out with the youth group from Trinity Baptist Church. The weather was perfect; the food and fellowship were good, the teens were a good bunch, and my husband's messages were well received. He spoke about not being conformed to this world, using the example of Daniel in Babylon, in a culture whose sole purpose was to assimilate the conquered people.
From the kitchen...black pepper chicken and corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants and a navy blue tank top.
I am reading...A Penny for Your Thoughts by Mindy Starns Clark. It's a Christian mystery.
I am hoping...the messages my husband preached stay with the teens.
I am hearing...the train, currently stopped.
Around the house...the first week of basement renovations are done. They've framed the rooms, insulated, and done the electrical. Our contractor is good and has a lot of creative ideas. He took the french doors we gave him as the entrance to my mom's apartment, and recessed them into walls, so they slide in and out, instead of opening up into the room and taking up space. There is also a storage area, workshop and a huge family/games room. He also made her apartment quite large, closed off the furnace area, and is breaking through the concrete to make the drain for the washroom and sauna. I'm so excited about the sauna. This week we'll be buying the sauna heater. We'll probably get a wall-mounted one. My youngest has been driving a lot and is gaining confidence. She said, "You were right, I needed to get my license." Words parents love to hear. I went to the dollar store before my dentist appointment today. I admit, I have poor impulse control there, but you should see the loot I got!
One of my favourite things...the taste of hot dogs and smores over a campfire.
Some plans for the week...work two nights, then I'm off for 20 days! Stay-cation only, since we bought the house this year, plus we have the reno, but it should be fun. We've planned some smaller trips to the beach, Kingston, maybe Stratford, downtown Toronto, and time with family and friends. We're hoping to go to the beach at a nearby Provincial Park with family on Saturday.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Shame Week
July 5, 2010.
Outside my window...typical Toronto summer weather. 3-h's. Hot, hazy and humid. Mid 30's but feeling like mid 40's C with the humidex. Also a poor air quality index. I wouldn't mind if I was on vacation, I'd just go to the beach. Instead, I stayed indoors with the a.c. on.
I am thinking...I prefer to call Pride Week, Shame Week, for the following reasons: I think it's a shame that our country will recognize those who have died for our country on only one day a year, whereas these 'festivities' go on for a whole week. I think it's a shame that it falls on Canada Day weekend and that in Toronto, their parade takes the place of a Canada Day parade. This is the impression we want to give to visitors to our city and country? I think it's a shame that they've hijacked the rainbow, a symbol of the promises of our covenant-keeping God, and have taken it to represent their diversity of behaviour. I think it's a shame that people are being silenced if they disagree with their agenda. They don't want to merely be tolerated; they want acceptance, society's blessing, and the freedom to promote their agenda and proselytize our children. It's a shame that our freedom of speech is eroded, and that anyone who has a contrary opinion is labelled. I see that they dropped the original name of the parade, probably because they know most Canadians want nothing to do with it. They couldn't seem to control some of the more radical political elements, who even referred to Canada as an apartheid regime. Really? If it was, they wouldn't be occupying some of the highest paying, prestigious jobs in the country. Not typical of most oppressed minorities throughout history. If they are a segregated, oppressed group, I'm a boiled egg. Shame, shame, shame.
I am thankful for...air conditioning on a day like this, both at home and at work. Apparently the west end of Toronto had a major power failure due to a fire at a transformer station. We may have some friends stay over this week because it's so hot and they have no a.c. I am also thankful that someone at church offered to take over our spot on the cleaning roster. We've been cleaning every month for over twenty years, and were just thinking this on Saturday when we were there, then on Sunday, we got the offer. They thought we could use a sabbatical. We were so pleasantly surprised. I guess we're hanging up our feather duster for at least a year. Wasn't that a kind thing to do?
From the kitchen...honey garlic meatballs, veggies and dip.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a brown tank top, and a white and beige sleeveless top.
I am reading...Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. It's a book about punctuation, of all things, and it's hilarious. But then, that's my kind of humour.
I am hoping...that there won't be any hitches this weekend for our camping trip. If my friend can't make it, due to her daughter's health, I may be left to cook for two dozen people. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
I am hearing...the train. Our Customer Service Ambassador says the same thing every day. "We're currently stopped due to a signal. When it changes to a more favourable colour, we'll be on our way."
Around the house...we had the driveway sealed today. It looks good. They also started our basement renovations. They've framed in my mom's apartment. It's going to be a good size. Both girls were home for the weekend. My eldest is back at camp for two weeks. My youngest passed her driving test. Yay! We saw Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare in the Park on Friday. I wish there was an alternate ending, but when you label it a tragedy, what can you do? My husband and I are counting down our shifts till vacation! Two more weeks, then three weeks off!
One of my favourite things...camping. We're going this weekend with another couple and the twenty or so teens from their church. My husband is the speaker. I hope we have good weather.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, pack for camping and go! My team (Germany) is doing well in World Cup, although the Dutch and Spanish are good, too.
Outside my window...typical Toronto summer weather. 3-h's. Hot, hazy and humid. Mid 30's but feeling like mid 40's C with the humidex. Also a poor air quality index. I wouldn't mind if I was on vacation, I'd just go to the beach. Instead, I stayed indoors with the a.c. on.
I am thinking...I prefer to call Pride Week, Shame Week, for the following reasons: I think it's a shame that our country will recognize those who have died for our country on only one day a year, whereas these 'festivities' go on for a whole week. I think it's a shame that it falls on Canada Day weekend and that in Toronto, their parade takes the place of a Canada Day parade. This is the impression we want to give to visitors to our city and country? I think it's a shame that they've hijacked the rainbow, a symbol of the promises of our covenant-keeping God, and have taken it to represent their diversity of behaviour. I think it's a shame that people are being silenced if they disagree with their agenda. They don't want to merely be tolerated; they want acceptance, society's blessing, and the freedom to promote their agenda and proselytize our children. It's a shame that our freedom of speech is eroded, and that anyone who has a contrary opinion is labelled. I see that they dropped the original name of the parade, probably because they know most Canadians want nothing to do with it. They couldn't seem to control some of the more radical political elements, who even referred to Canada as an apartheid regime. Really? If it was, they wouldn't be occupying some of the highest paying, prestigious jobs in the country. Not typical of most oppressed minorities throughout history. If they are a segregated, oppressed group, I'm a boiled egg. Shame, shame, shame.
I am thankful for...air conditioning on a day like this, both at home and at work. Apparently the west end of Toronto had a major power failure due to a fire at a transformer station. We may have some friends stay over this week because it's so hot and they have no a.c. I am also thankful that someone at church offered to take over our spot on the cleaning roster. We've been cleaning every month for over twenty years, and were just thinking this on Saturday when we were there, then on Sunday, we got the offer. They thought we could use a sabbatical. We were so pleasantly surprised. I guess we're hanging up our feather duster for at least a year. Wasn't that a kind thing to do?
From the kitchen...honey garlic meatballs, veggies and dip.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a brown tank top, and a white and beige sleeveless top.
I am reading...Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. It's a book about punctuation, of all things, and it's hilarious. But then, that's my kind of humour.
I am hoping...that there won't be any hitches this weekend for our camping trip. If my friend can't make it, due to her daughter's health, I may be left to cook for two dozen people. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
I am hearing...the train. Our Customer Service Ambassador says the same thing every day. "We're currently stopped due to a signal. When it changes to a more favourable colour, we'll be on our way."
Around the house...we had the driveway sealed today. It looks good. They also started our basement renovations. They've framed in my mom's apartment. It's going to be a good size. Both girls were home for the weekend. My eldest is back at camp for two weeks. My youngest passed her driving test. Yay! We saw Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare in the Park on Friday. I wish there was an alternate ending, but when you label it a tragedy, what can you do? My husband and I are counting down our shifts till vacation! Two more weeks, then three weeks off!
One of my favourite things...camping. We're going this weekend with another couple and the twenty or so teens from their church. My husband is the speaker. I hope we have good weather.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, pack for camping and go! My team (Germany) is doing well in World Cup, although the Dutch and Spanish are good, too.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Grad and Prom
June 29, 2010.
Outside my window...sunny, but with a cold wind.
I am thinking...we had some drama in our city this weekend. The G-20 summit was held in downtown Toronto and attracted protesters and spectators of every stripe: anarchists, communists, feminists, Natives, and others. While I wouldn't deny anyone a voice if they want to speak against a duly elected government, I don't approve of the vandalism we witnessed this weekend; smashed windows, spray-painted bank machines and burned out police cars. Some say the police were harsh, but I think they showed amazing restraint. I hope those who got out of control will be arrested and dealt with. I respect the police. They have a difficult job. They seem to get criticized no matter what they do. Some people even took their kids to go and see the protests. Unbelievable. In contrast to this past weekend, Christians are supposed to "pray for leaders and all in authority, that we may live quiet and peaceable lives." That doesn't mean we agree with everything the government does, or that there's never a time to disobey government. Paul wrote those words while Nero was Emperor, so he wasn't living under ideal circumstances. Anyway, I'm glad it's over. Now just the clean-up. Apparently, there was half a million dollars in damage. Whether the city, the province or the federal government pays for it, the tax payer has only one pocket.
I am thankful for...the grace of God in the lives of my children. My youngest daughter graduated from high school yesterday. It was a Christian school that focused on academics. She graduated with honours, 95%. She also received three awards: Law, Philosophy, and World Issues, which is my daughter in a nutshell. It reaffirmed her life goals to go into International Law and work for the International Justice Mission. We're very proud of her and thankful to God for saving her and giving her the opportunity to learn.
From the kitchen...leftover roast beef and potatoes.
I am wearing...jeans, my red San Antonio, Texas t-shirt, and a blue zip-up sweater.
I am reading...The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann, a mystery about a woman who builds labyrinths. I'm halfway through it, but not loving it.
I am hoping...my daughter passes her driving test tomorrow. She doesn't feel ready, but I think she's generally a nervous driver.
I am hearing....people conversing on the train.
Around the house...my eldest was picked up from camp yesterday for her sister's graduation, then we drove her back late at night. My youngest started her job this week, and my mom's going to London, to visit her brother and his wife who just moved there. They had purchased our old house in Sault Ste. Marie, ten years ago when my mom moved here, so it was kind of cool to still go back to it, such as it was, but now strangers live there. My husband will have a four day weekend after tomorrow. I worked out very hard at CURVES yesterday, and I'm a little sore today. I started on the CURVES smart program which monitors your workout and gives you technical feedback. On the day of my daughter's prom, she got her hair done, but didn't like it. She cried and they fixed it. The same thing had happened with my other daughter two years ago. Deja vu all over again. As you can see by the picture below, the end result doesn't give you a clue of the drama we went through. I brought her chocolate while they were repairing it, and when I told my husband about that, he said, "What would I have done if I was raising the girls alone? I wouldn't have known to buy chocolate." We had our contractor come in with the contract for the basement reno. Ouch! But he does a good job. He'll start next week.
One of my favourite things...this Sunday when my team (Germany) beat my husband's team (England) in World Cup Soccer.
Some plans for the week...work three more nights, which shouldn't be too bad, since our O.R. is closed this week so we only have chemo patients. We're going to see Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare in the Park on Friday night with a bunch of people from church. Then on Saturday, I'll plant, clean and cook. We're having an old friend over on Sunday for supper between services. Keep watching World Cup Soccer.
Outside my window...sunny, but with a cold wind.
I am thinking...we had some drama in our city this weekend. The G-20 summit was held in downtown Toronto and attracted protesters and spectators of every stripe: anarchists, communists, feminists, Natives, and others. While I wouldn't deny anyone a voice if they want to speak against a duly elected government, I don't approve of the vandalism we witnessed this weekend; smashed windows, spray-painted bank machines and burned out police cars. Some say the police were harsh, but I think they showed amazing restraint. I hope those who got out of control will be arrested and dealt with. I respect the police. They have a difficult job. They seem to get criticized no matter what they do. Some people even took their kids to go and see the protests. Unbelievable. In contrast to this past weekend, Christians are supposed to "pray for leaders and all in authority, that we may live quiet and peaceable lives." That doesn't mean we agree with everything the government does, or that there's never a time to disobey government. Paul wrote those words while Nero was Emperor, so he wasn't living under ideal circumstances. Anyway, I'm glad it's over. Now just the clean-up. Apparently, there was half a million dollars in damage. Whether the city, the province or the federal government pays for it, the tax payer has only one pocket.
I am thankful for...the grace of God in the lives of my children. My youngest daughter graduated from high school yesterday. It was a Christian school that focused on academics. She graduated with honours, 95%. She also received three awards: Law, Philosophy, and World Issues, which is my daughter in a nutshell. It reaffirmed her life goals to go into International Law and work for the International Justice Mission. We're very proud of her and thankful to God for saving her and giving her the opportunity to learn.
From the kitchen...leftover roast beef and potatoes.
I am wearing...jeans, my red San Antonio, Texas t-shirt, and a blue zip-up sweater.
I am reading...The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann, a mystery about a woman who builds labyrinths. I'm halfway through it, but not loving it.
I am hoping...my daughter passes her driving test tomorrow. She doesn't feel ready, but I think she's generally a nervous driver.
I am hearing....people conversing on the train.
Around the house...my eldest was picked up from camp yesterday for her sister's graduation, then we drove her back late at night. My youngest started her job this week, and my mom's going to London, to visit her brother and his wife who just moved there. They had purchased our old house in Sault Ste. Marie, ten years ago when my mom moved here, so it was kind of cool to still go back to it, such as it was, but now strangers live there. My husband will have a four day weekend after tomorrow. I worked out very hard at CURVES yesterday, and I'm a little sore today. I started on the CURVES smart program which monitors your workout and gives you technical feedback. On the day of my daughter's prom, she got her hair done, but didn't like it. She cried and they fixed it. The same thing had happened with my other daughter two years ago. Deja vu all over again. As you can see by the picture below, the end result doesn't give you a clue of the drama we went through. I brought her chocolate while they were repairing it, and when I told my husband about that, he said, "What would I have done if I was raising the girls alone? I wouldn't have known to buy chocolate." We had our contractor come in with the contract for the basement reno. Ouch! But he does a good job. He'll start next week.
One of my favourite things...this Sunday when my team (Germany) beat my husband's team (England) in World Cup Soccer.
Some plans for the week...work three more nights, which shouldn't be too bad, since our O.R. is closed this week so we only have chemo patients. We're going to see Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare in the Park on Friday night with a bunch of people from church. Then on Saturday, I'll plant, clean and cook. We're having an old friend over on Sunday for supper between services. Keep watching World Cup Soccer.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Earthquake in Ontario
Yesterday, I was sound asleep after a night shift, when I woke up to see the posts of my bed shaking. It was around 1:45 p.m. and it lasted about 30 seconds. I wondered first what was happening, if maybe a train or big truck was going by. I looked out the window but saw nothing. I could hear the wall vibrating. By the time I was awake enough and recognized what it was, it was over. There would have been no time to go outside, as you're supposed to. I guess it's kind of like watching an approaching tornado, there's a fascination and a sense of unreality. I looked out again and saw my neighbours had come outside and were talking to each other, probably to confirm it was real and not imagined. I went downstairs and asked my mom if she felt it. She was in the laundry room and hadn't noticed a thing. It made me wonder if it was real, but then it's not surprising to have the house shake more on the upper floors. I called my husband at work, who confirmed it was real. A neighbour there had come in to say that her bird started flying around and around in its cage when it happened. I guess they sense these things. Then, from the news I found out it was a 5.0 earthquake centred north of Ottawa. In the GTA there was no damage or injuries, but closer to the epicentre there was structural damage, like roads and bridges and some chimney's crumbling, but thankfully, no loss of life. I remember there being tremors like this once in the 80's and once in the 90's in Toronto, so that's why I figured it was an earthquake. It's not unheard of. We're apparently near a fault line that runs near the Ontario-Quebec border. Of course, the jokes I've heard since then on twitter were that it was Quebec's attempt to separate from Canada, that the earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in the fake lake built for the dignitaries of the G-20 summit this week, and that there was widespread disappointment in Toronto, that it was not the epicentre of the quake. The rest of Canada says Toronto thinks it's the centre of the universe, and they may not be too far off in that.
It was a bit of excitement, especially because there were no tragedies associated with it, so people just started asking, "Where were you when it happened?" and "Did you feel it?" My youngest was on a bus and missed it, and my oldest was working in a barn at camp at the time.
That same night there was a tornado (F-2) just northeast of where my eldest works. Fifty families were left homeless. They live in a trailer park, which is often the 'target' of tornadoes. Tornadoes happen occasionally in Ontario. We're in the tail end of tornado alley which sweeps up through the American mid-west.
The fact that the earthquake and tornado happened within 24 hours of each other, had me scanning the sky for a plague of locusts.
It was a bit of excitement, especially because there were no tragedies associated with it, so people just started asking, "Where were you when it happened?" and "Did you feel it?" My youngest was on a bus and missed it, and my oldest was working in a barn at camp at the time.
That same night there was a tornado (F-2) just northeast of where my eldest works. Fifty families were left homeless. They live in a trailer park, which is often the 'target' of tornadoes. Tornadoes happen occasionally in Ontario. We're in the tail end of tornado alley which sweeps up through the American mid-west.
The fact that the earthquake and tornado happened within 24 hours of each other, had me scanning the sky for a plague of locusts.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Good Deed of the Day
Tonight my husband was coming home from prayer meeting at church and he saw a car near our house, all dark and with the windows steamed up. He thought it was strange but wasn't sure what was happening inside. When he got out of his van, he saw a hand come up out of the car's moon roof and heard someone calling for help. He was hesitant to go over because it was dark and he wasn't sure it was legit. When he got there, the man said he was trapped in the car for hours. He gave my husband the key through the moon roof and asked him to unlock the door. When he opened the door, the man explained that it was his brother's car and the battery suddenly died on it, so he couldn't operate the power doors, windows, or horn. He was all sweaty and quite distressed. My husband then gave him a boost and he went on his way. Who knows what would have happened if my husband hadn't taken the risk?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Father's Day Weekend
June 21, 2010.
Outside my window...the first day of summer. Beautiful. Sunny. Perfect.
I am thinking...it was a nice Father's Day weekend. All my husband wanted was to have both girls at home, so they were. We went to church twice, had a meal of bacon-wrapped filet mignon, jumbo garlic shrimp, okra, grilled veggies and chocolate cake. I made him a mojito, which he enjoyed when we were in Mexico, we had a nap, watched two soccer games, and stopped at Pho Dau Bo for his favourite Sunday night snack of Vietnamese noodle soup. Then he watched the space channel without a word of complaint from me. He was a contented man.
I am thankful for... a husband who is also a great dad. He's been supportive of me from my pregnancies and beyond. When I was pregnant, he started giving me rides to the subway. He said he "didn't want my little feet to touch the ground." I said, "What do you think they do on my 12-hour shifts?" He was great when the kids were sick or fussy or waking up frequently. He played with them, disciplined them, taught them and gave real spiritual leadership. Our youngest was saved when she was praying with him. Being a Dad is about more than fathering a child. He is a great dad and the girls love and appreciate him.
From the kitchen...fish fillets, Jamaican rice and peas, stir-fried veggies.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a black and white printed sleeveless top.
I am reading...Under a Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...there won't be any violence with the G-20 summit this weekend. My husband is on call for the city's water supply and may be called in.
I am hearing...silence. The train is stopped and so far no announcements. I don't get stressed by delays because I leave so early. I'm never late, just less early. It seems the problem was a door that wouldn't close, so the train went out of service and we caught the next one. No worries.
Around the house...we bought some plants and flowers for the backyard but were only able to plant a few before the rain came. We got another contractor to come and give us some ideas for the basement. This guy is a family friend and has done work for us on our previous house. We know he does good work and can be trusted with a key to the house. We cancelled the other contractor because he never got back to us after promising to, three times. We need to get going on this project. Oh, and I must brag. My youngest got 100% on her mock trials along with a glowing review of her hard work and professionalism. She worked so hard. She wants to go into law so it meant a lot to her. She is also hoping to win the Law award the night of graduation next week. My eldest just started her work for the summer at Scott Mission Camp. She's a counsellour and life guard. She passed her lifeguarding course. My husband is trying to get through the next two weeks, but man, he needs a vacation.
One of my favourite things...my commute. It really is comfortable and convenient.
Some plans for the week...work four nights. Date night Friday. My daughter's prom is Saturday so I have to take her to various appointments to get her ready. Then we're going to our tri-annual dinner party with three other couples from church. Sunday is church. Our Sunday school is finished for the summer so we can sleep in a bit. We may have guests over.
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